Accounts Payable Operations Specialist

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The Accounts Payable Operations Specialist provides advanced operational leadership and subject-matter expertise across Accounts Payable Processing and Accounts Payable Support functions. This position serves as a key operational partner to the AP Operations Manager and provides day-to-day coordination, guidance, escalation support, and process oversight across multiple AP functions.

This role is responsible for helping ensure accurate, timely, and efficient processing of invoices and resolution of AP-related inquiries while identifying opportunities to improve processes, strengthen controls, enhance service levels, and promote consistency across the department.

This role works closely with AP leadership, team leads, internal business partners, vendors, and other stakeholders to resolve complex issues and support the overall effectiveness of AP operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES Operational Leadership
• Provide day-to-day operational support and leadership across AP Invoice Processing and AP Support functions.
• Serve as a senior escalation point for complex invoice, payment, reconciliation, and customer-service issues.
• Monitor workflow, workload, service level agreements, and operational priorities across teams and assist with resource allocation as needed.
• Partner with the AP Operations Manager to identify operational risks, staffing needs, workflow challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Provide leadership coverage and operational support in the manager's absence.
• Promote consistency in processes, procedures, service expectations, and internal controls across AP functions.

Invoice Processing & AP Support
• Provide subject-matter expertise related to invoice processing, invoice inquiries, and AP procedures.
• Partner with Team Leads and provide operational oversight and guidance to the Invoice Processing and AP Support teams, including inquiry resolution, issue escalation, and service-level expectations.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between Invoice Processing and AP Support to ensure timely resolution of invoice-related issues.
• Assist in identifying recurring issues and root causes that affect invoice processing, payment accuracy, or customer/vendor experience.

Team Leadership & Development
• Provide coaching, guidance, and subject-matter support to team leads and AP associates.
• Support the development of employees by identifying training needs, knowledge gaps, and opportunities for cross-training.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, continuous learning, and a customer-focused approach.
• Support performance management activities and provide feedback regarding employee performance when appropriate.

Reconciliation & Financial Controls
• Provide expertise and oversight related to account reconciliations and the resolution of discrepancies.
• Investigate complex discrepancies and coordinate with appropriate internal departments to determine root causes and corrective actions.
• Identify trends or recurring reconciliation issues and recommend process or control improvements.
• Assist with audit requests, internal controls, documentation, and compliance-related activities.

Reporting & Performance Management
• Monitor and analyze operational metrics related to invoice processing, inquiry resolution, productivity, accuracy, aging, and service levels.
• Prepare and/or assist with recurring operational reporting for AP leadership.
• Use data to support staffing, workload, process improvement, and operational decisions.
• Develop and maintain performance measures that support department objectives.

Process Improvement
• Identify opportunities to streamline AP processes, reduce manual effort, eliminate recurring issues, and improve…